I am a bit confused about Windows Server 2003 licensing. Does a CAL permit you to run a copy of Server 2003 on a server? For example, I buy one copy of Server 2003 Standard which includes 5 CALs; I have 4 servers. Will 4 different CALs allow me to run that same copy of Server 2003 on different servers?

Or do I have some twisted idea of what a CAL is?

No, you can only have one copy on one server. The CAL's allow user access. 5 CALs = 5 admin user accounts can be logged in at once.

Ahh. Is it possible to purchase Server 2003 *without* the CALs, and purchase the CALs as necessary?

This should help...

- Every installed copy of the server software requires the purchase of a Windows server license.

- A Windows Server 2003 Client Access License (Windows CAL) is required in order to access or use the server software.

- A Windows CAL is not required if access to the server software is via the Internet and is "unauthenticated"—for example, accessing a Web site for general information where no identifying credentials are exchanged.

Most of your questions can be answered here

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/overview.mspx

That most certainly helps. Thank you.

ever considered running Linux...lol? It's free and you don't have to worry about licensing :)

Originally posted by Bub Host
ever considered running Linux...lol? It's free and you don't have to worry about licensing :)

There is a need for everything. Linux is great, but it doesn't meet everyones needs.

Originally posted by Primal Blue
There is a need for everything. Linux is great, but it doesn't meet everyones needs.

yes that is true, however a lot of people fall into the trap of paying for Windows 2003 Server just to serve static pages when they could save the money and use a better OS.....Linux :)

If he needs ASP and Microsoft SQL and that sort of stuff then yes he should / could use Windows, but doesn't Linux offer some sort of ASP emulation?

Originally posted by Bub Host
when they could save the money and use a better OS.....Linux :)

To each is his own.


Originally posted by Bub Host
doesn't Linux offer some sort of ASP emulation?

Yes, they do, but it's not at the same standard as the ASP engine. Plus no .NET.

Linux has its place and Windows has thier place. All in all it's just different tools to get the job done.

U can purchase the Win 2003 Web Edition, this is not controlled by Cal, but limitations cannot install ms SQL.

Originally posted by Primal Blue
To each is his own.




Yes, they do, but it's not at the same standard as the ASP engine. Plus no .NET.

Linux has its place and Windows has thier place. All in all it's just different tools to get the job done.

Yes that is true :)

There is different licensing if you are going to be using the OS for hosting. Search for microsoft licensing on these forums and you'll find the thread with the necessary details.

ISP's pay monthly for each license rather than purchase it.

Originally posted by boonchuan
U can purchase the Win 2003 Web Edition, this is not controlled by Cal, but limitations cannot install ms SQL. Yes, but where might I find a copy? I've searched through Microsoft's partners/resellers/distributors or what have you, but was unable to. It seems the only way I could get my hands on Web would be to signup with some provider who offers it, and that's not an option.

I have considered Linux, and am considering it. It's in the back of my mind at the moment as I've been focusing on running a Windows-based operation.

Scan in the UK offer 2k3 web edition http://www.scan.co.uk/products/Products.ASP?CatID=37&Category=Software
£250 ~

Actually to use all the features on the web edition you do need to use CALs, you'll still need to get an email server unless you want to get a CAL for each pop user. <disclaimer: I think this is true, I talked it thru with a guy from M$>

*cough* linux is better *cough*

Originally posted by antihero
*cough* linux is better *cough* How so?

If you are planing on using a MS product for hosting you need to look here:
http://www.microsoft.com/serviceproviders/licensing/spla.asp